Cambodia must ramp up efforts tenfold to meet its goal of providing all rural households with piped water access by 2030. Supplied
Cambodia needs to increase efforts tenfold to achieve its target of providing all rural households with piped water access by 2030, according to a report released today by World Vision International (WVI).
While progress has been made in the water and sanitation sector, particularly through community-driven initiatives, significant gaps remain for the rural majority.
In a national workshop held on September 20, attended by key government officials and development partners, WVI Cambodia (WVI-C) presented an independent evaluation of its efforts to increase water access in rural areas.
“The findings showed that 137,000 people from 27,503 households in 329 villages gained access to piped water through 125 small-scale distribution systems supported by World Vision since 2015,” according to WVI-C.
The evaluation of community piped-water stations revealed several key findings. First, 97 per cent of the 125 small-scale water systems supported by WVI-C are operating effectively, demonstrating stronger reliability than the national average and underscoring their sustainability.
A dissemination workshop on the impact evaluation of a community small-scale piped water distribution system, held on September 23 in Phnom Penh. Supplied
Additionally, access to pumped water has contributed to improved health outcomes, with a reduction in waterborne diseases, enhanced sanitation and better hygiene practices.
“This progress has eased the burden on women and children, providing them with greater opportunities for education and income generation,” WVI-C stated.
Inclusivity has also been a focus, with 31 per cent of water connections benefiting low-income and marginalised households, many of whom received initial connections at reduced or no cost.
The report emphasised the importance of community ownership, highlighting how active involvement in planning, management and transparent tariff-setting has strengthened local accountability and the long-term sustainability of these systems.
"Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development," said Srin Poutthy, director of the Rural Water Supply Department.
In 2014, World Vision partnered with a school in Siem Reap province’s Chi Kraeng district to enhance the learning environment by renovating the library, donating books, installing handwashing stations, and training teachers. Supplied
He added that the rural development ministry, in partnership with development organisations and NGOs, remains committed to ensuring that all Cambodians, especially those in rural areas, have access to safe and reliable water sources.
While the progress has been commendable, the report highlights several ongoing challenges, including limited financial resources, weak social accountability and gaps in long-term planning.
To address these issues, WVI-C recommended increased investment through public-private partnerships to expand infrastructure, a review of licensing regulations to prevent overlaps and the establishment of transparent accountability frameworks to build trust and encourage local investment.
WVI-C national director Janes Imanuel Ginting, emphasised the success of these efforts, particularly their impact on underprivileged communities.
“Equitable access to clean water improves health and empowers women and children with greater opportunities for education and economic growth. We remain committed to reaching Cambodia’s most vulnerable communities,” he stated.
WVI-C underscored that meeting the goal of universal piped water access by 2030 requires a unified, collaborative effort from policymakers, donors, development partners, NGOs and the private sector.
Community members lay pipe for a water system in Banteay Meanchey province’s Netr Preah district. Supplied
Achieving this goal will not only improve health and sanitation but also contribute to the country’s overall social and economic well-being.
Suy Yet, head of the Water Management Committee in Banteay Meanchey province’s Preah Netr Preah district, emphasised how community involvement in managing water systems has fostered ownership and sustainability.
He highlighted that access to safe water has improved health and empowered residents, especially impoverished families and children, to secure a better future. The community remains dedicated to providing reliable access to safe drinking water for all households and schools.
WVI’s water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme has already made significant contributions.
Launched in 2007, it has provided over 1.7 million people in rural Cambodia with access to clean water and improved sanitation in the last five years alone, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to sustainable development for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
